In Michael’s absence, Paul & Doug (mis)managed the sound. The unofficial “Theme For The Day” seemed to be “Let’s Get Together.”

There were musical collaborations galore, Warren Freeman & Mary Martin teamed up for a lovely set, the highlight being Warren’s original Carry Me. John Donnelly and Lawrie White kept things moving with some slick vocalising on Johnny Cash’s A Boy Named Sue. Kerry Lawson and newcomer to the Muso’s Club, Ian B. McLeod gave us an impromptu rendition of It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie, Rob Goodwin and Kerry Lawson belted out a few Creedence Clearwater Revival classics, and Lawrie White and Warren Freeman got together with a set of quality offerings.

In between all these “Instant Duos” were some great solo sets. Warren, Mary and Lawrie gave the audience polished performances, with a mix of originals and covers. John Donnelly showed his cosmopolitan side…being an American living in Australia singing a song written by a Scotsman (Eric Bogle) about the Aussie and Kiwi forces fighting the Turkish Army at Gallipoli in 1915 (The Band Played Waltzing Matilda).

Mid-way through the afternoon, artists, musicians and the audience were completely captivated when a recording of Michael singing his A Song For Caitlin was played as a tribute to Michael’s daughter who died earlier in the week.

First-timer Janet Lewis treated us to a sultry rendition of Julie London’s Cry Me a River & her up-tempo version of Secret Love certainly had toes tapping. In a change of musical direction, Barbara Ramadge Ross, who is becoming a regular at the Coffee Shop, gave us a nicely thought out bracket of songs. Her a capella presentations certainly command respect from all. Another first-timer was, now-local, “Rockabilly Cowboy” Ian B. MacLeod. I remember backing Ian at a couple of NSW country venues in the mid-seventies, he made a big impression on me then and he’s got a whole lot better in the meantime. He took us on a tour of Slim Whitman’s (NOT Slim Dusty) catalogue of songs. Ian’s powerful yodelling and smooth vocal delivery was a joy to behold. He showed his versatility by moving from lyrical “cowboy songs” to belting out That’s Alright Mama Elvis-style. Many encores were called for and delivered in style. Paul Fagan juggled the mixing desk (not literally) duties with some fine guitar backing and some really inspired slide playing behind the artists.

It was certainly an afternoon of contrasts, from Originals to Rock (Proud Mary) to Jazz (Cry Me A River), Rockabilly (That’s Alright, Mama) to Sing-a-long Country (I Remember You) to Crazy (Nice Legs, Shame About the Face).

We hope to see y’all on Sunday the 24th of this month at THE place to be …The Tea & Coffee Merchants, Glass House.